Newcastle United have another month to do business before the transfer window snaps shut – and they have plenty of work to do before they look in good shape for the start of the Premier League season.

So far United have signed five players, with Mikel Merino’s addition on Friday a boost to Rafa Benitez’s plans. But they need to sell and to bring in players if they are going to build the kind of squad that the manager wants in the top flight.

With questions over the budget – Benitez himself is aware that he’s tasked with finding some more bargains in the market to boost his Premier League chances – there is going to have to be some wheeling and dealing before September’s deadline.

With United looking to strike more deals, we asked our Newcastle United writers who they think United should be going for – and what the club need to do to turn this transfer window into a success.

Lee Ryder (Chief Sports Writer)

How many more do you think NUFC need? And what positions?

I think they need at least three new signings. More options out wide, a proven striker and another goalkeeper.

Who would be your ideal signing now (within NUFC budget)?

I think a deal for Daniel Sturridge is realistic. If Newcastle could keep him free from injury he’d be a decent shout.

Daniel Sturridge (L) of Liverpool battles for the ball with Karim Rekik of Berlin during the pre season friendly match between Hertha BSC and FC Liverpool (Image: Bongarts)

Usually by now you have an idea of which way the wind is blowing in the close season but it’s been a difficult summer to judge really. All five of the signings have been gambles, none have much top flight experience but it’s clear they’ve got talent and hunger. Landing the striker they need could be the one that makes or breaks the close season.

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Striking a deal for a striker with Premier League experience would be fantastic – but everywhere you look deals look either unrealistic or too expensive. I think Michy Batshuayi will stay at Chelsea and Benitez seems not too bothered about Andre Gray – who was being scouted earlier in the window. Kelechi Iheanacho, the Manchester City forward, ticks every box but Leicester seem ready to pounce.

In the absence of that they may have to look abroad. I know we’ve been here before but Bas Dost, a long-term target currently at Sporting, fits the bill for me.

Bast Dost of VfL Wolfsburg celebrates as he scores the winning goal during the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and VfL Wolfsburg (Image: Bongarts)

Chris Waugh (NUFC writer)

How many more do you think NUFC need? And what positions?

In my opinion, if Newcastle can get another three first-team-ready players through the door, this can have been considered a reasonable window. If four or even five further additions arrive, then what started as a frustrating summer can be considered a success.

The three key positions United still need to fill in my view are striker, attacking-midfield and goalkeeper. Benitez’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation requires a creative No 10 and I still don’t believe Newcastle have a person in their squad capable of unlocking top-flight defences on a weekly basis. Striker-wise it is obvious the Magpies need a proven European top-flight goalscorer and it is essential one arrives this summer. As for goalkeeper, Benitez himself believes United need another one, so it is essential he is given the capability to recruit one. In truth another centre-back and winger are needed too, but only after those other three positions are addressed.

Who would be your ideal signing now (within NUFC budget)?

My ideal signing for Newcastle given the current budget would be Pepe Reina. He has the Premier League experience Benitez desires in a goalkeeper and he is a signing who would really excite fans. If Reina was tempted, further ‘names’ may follow him to St James’ Park.

Lewis Arnold (Video journalist)

How many more do you think NUFC need? And what positions?

For me, to get into the top half of the table and make the season a success, they need a couple of additions up front.

I’d love to see a tough, creative midfielder who can finish and a centre forward with different strengths to Gayle who can play with the number nine or on his own if things needs changing.

Andy Carroll (Image: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire)

Who would be your ideal signing now (within NUFC budget)?

I would make a real effort to get Andy Carroll back for his hold up play, aerial ability and finishing and I’d raid Sunderland for Whabi Khazri. When he’s played in a poor Sunderland side, he’s impressed me with his energy, flair and desire. He looks tough, awkward to play against and in Rafa’s side I think he could be develop.

Andrew Musgrove (NUFC writer)

How many more do you think NUFC need? And in what positions?

Four. A left-back for cover or to simply offer Paul Dummett some competition. He’s improved last season but I fear will struggle this season. A striker – potentially even two – a central midfielder and a goalkeeper.

Even if Aleksandar Mitrovic stays, Benitez is still short of goals up front. If either Mitrovic or Dwight Gayle are absent for whatever reason, then who provides the goals?

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A central midfielder who can rival Jonjo Shelvey would be ideal because as we saw last season, without him United are a very different team.

I’d like to see Freddie Woodman given a chance but Benitez is likely to send him out on loan - so a new shot stopper is needed.

Who is your ideal signing (within NUFC budget)?

Michi Batshuayi. Okay, so it’ll be a loan deal but right now, that doesn’t matter. What matters is the goals to keep you in the Premier League which will build the foundations for next season and so on. Batshuayi is that man.